The original Audeze LCD-2 was released in 2010, with subsequent revisions beginning around 2011, leading to the introduction of the LCD-2.1 and, ultimately, the LCD-2.2. The initial retail price of the original model was close to a thousand dollars. The LCD-2 has since been discontinued and replaced by the LCD-2 Fazor, which has also undergone its own set of revisions. Today, the LCD-2.2 can only be found on the used market and I was lucky to get a pair a couple of years ago. While waiting for other units to arrive, I figured why not review the ones in my possession?
Packaging and Build
The Audeze LCD-2.2 comes in a stunning Pelican case with a custom cutout for secure storage. However, no additional accessories are included aside from the cable itself
The headphones feature a nice rosewood outer cup housing, complemented by metal grills and rods. While there are some plastic components, the headband is crafted from synthetic leather. The build quality is exceptional, reminiscent of a tank. The considerable weight of the headphones is a testament to the premium materials used in their construction. The cable features mini XLR plugs for both cups and terminates into a quarter-inch jack. The original owner of this headphone bought a Dekoni suede pad which is what has been installed since acquiring it.
My only minor complaint with the build aside from the weight is how hard it is to make adjustments because of how stiff the metal rods are and how tight the mechanism is. The bright side of that is once you have it adjusted to your desired setting, it remains quite secure on your head.
Comfort
The LCD-2.2 is undeniably heavy at 500 grams. While it provides a snug fit, the sheer size of the headphones can be overwhelming compared to most other models. Although users may acclimate to the weight over time, extended use can lead to some neck fatigue. Additionally, the headphones can cause ear sweat in hot climates or during summer due to their sheer size and snug fit.
Page 2: Sound Quality & Conclusion